get the most out  of your garden!

January Garden Calendar

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 12:34:18 -0600

January Garden Calendar

 Vegetables and Fruits
a Pick up and discard fallen fruit before spring arrives.
b As nursery catalogs begin to arrive, look for plants with improved insect and disease resistance.
c Order fruit trees
  Flowers
a Peruse seed catalogs and prepare your seed order.
b Things you can start: For spring flowers, get unplanted spring bulbs in the ground as soon as possible.
a Start seeds throughout the winter, depending on growing requirements.
b Water fall planted perennials to prevent dry soil conditions.
a Watch for signs of frost heaving and cover tender roots.
b Replace mulch layers.
c Check bulbs in storage for rot and decay. Discard damaged ones.
d Curl up with a good book and learn more about gardening.
  Lawns
a Avoid walking on frozen lawns. It may injure the grass.
b Rake fallen leaves that pile up on the lawn to prevent suffocation of grass.
c Scatter snow instead of piling it up on the lawn next to drives and walks.  
Trees and Shrubs
a Snow and ice on limbs:
a Gently brush heavy snow from tree and shrub limbs to reduce damage.
b Allow ice to melt naturally from limbs. Do not use water to melt the ice or attempt to knock it off.
a Pruning:
a Prune storm damaged limbs quickly to reduce damage and prevent tearing of the bark.
b Avoid the temptation to prune on warm winter day. You'll prevent further damage.
a Bring twigs of flowering trees and shrubs indoors to force blossoms.
b Water fall planted trees and shrubs when soil is dry but not frozen.
c Watch out for rabbit damage to the bark of trees and shrubs.  
Miscellaneous
a Clean and repair garden tools during the winter.
b Sand and seal tool handles to prevent splinters. Apply brightly colored paint to handles. It makes them easier to spot in the garden.
c Keep bird feeders and water supplies filled for the feathered friends.
d Evaluate the garden and make notes to assist in next year's planning.
e Take photos of the garden and analyze for year-round interest.

Source: (www.johnson.ksu.edu)

December Garden Calendar

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 18:14:22 -0600

December Garden Calendar

 Vegetables and Fruits
a Store leftover seeds and a cool, dry location, for example, in a sealed jar placed in the refrigerator.
b Check vegetables in storage for spoilage.
c Mulch strawberries for winter protection.
d Clean and oil garden hand tools for winter.
  Flowers
a Mulch roses by mounding soil 6 to 8 inches deep over the plants to protect the graft.
b Mulch perennial beds with 2 to 4 inches of straw, shredded leaves, or other lightweight material.
c Cut tall hybrid tea roses back to 18 to 24 inches to reduce wind whipping and plant damage.
d Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs until the ground is frozen. Water and mulch.
e Give plants or gift certificates as holiday gifts for gardening friends.
f Empty decorative pots and containers. Store inside or decorate for winter.
  Lawns
a Pick up fallen leaves, limbs, and other debris from lawn to prevent suffocation of the turf during winter.
b Store any left over lawn fertilizers in dry location and out of reach of children and pets.
c Store pesticides in a cool (not freezing) dry location for winter, out of reach of children and pets.
  Trees and Shrubs
a Keep heavy snowfall from limbs of trees and shrubs by lightly shaking to avoid damage.
b To prevent breakage, avoid shoveling snow onto trees and shrubs.
c Check and protect the trunks of young trees and branches of shrubs for rabbit damage.
d Living Christmas trees are special. Leave in your home no longer than one week, then acclimate to outdoors and plant in a desirable location.
e Prune damaged branches throughout the winter months.
f Water newly planted trees and shrubs in winter to prevent dry soil conditions.
g Mulch roots of tender shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons to keep vigorous during winter.
h Prune branches of junipers, pines, hollies, and other plants to use as holiday decorations.

Miscellaneous
a Start planning for next year by making notes and preparing orders.
b Turn compost pile to encourage winter breakdown.

Source: (www.johnson.ksu.edu)

November, 2011 Garden Calendar

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:25:09 -0600

November Garden Calendar

 Vegetables and Fruits
a Sort apples in storage and remove spoiled fruit.
b Clean and remove fallen fruit from around trees to reduce insects and disease next year.
c Protect trunks of fruit trees from rabbit damage with tree wraps.
d Take a soil test and make needed adjustments this fall.
e Till garden soil and add organic matter.
  Flowers
a Clean up the rose bed to help reduce disease next season. Cut back tall rose canes to 24 inches to prevent winter breakage.
b Remove frost-killed annuals.
c Till annual flower beds and add organic matter to improve soil.
d Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs.
e Depending on your gardening style, leave or cut back perennial stalks to 4 to 6 inches.
f Apply a winter mulch to perennials and roses after several hard freezes.
  Lawns
a Rake fallen leaves from the lawn to prevent winter suffocation.
b Fertilize cool season lawns, bluegrass and tall fescue, with a quick-release high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote root development and early spring green up.
c If needed, water turf so its starts winter with ample moisture.
d Control dandelions, henbit, and chickweed before spring green up.
e Continue to mow into the fall at 2 to 3 inches.
 Trees and Shrubs
a Water newly planted trees and shrubs.
b Plant new trees and shrubs.
c Rake leaves and place in compost pile.
d Check mulch layers and replenish.
e Prune dead or hazardous limbs.
f Wait to prune spring flowering trees and shrubs until after bloom.
  Miscellaneous
a Clean and oil garden tools, sprayers, and other equipment. Store them for winter.
b Drain garden hoses and sprinklers and store indoors for increased life. If you decide to leave them outside, unscrew them from the faucets.
c If fuel is to remain in power equipment, add fuel stabilizer. Otherwise, drain gas from power equipment for winter storage. Make any needed repairs.
d Protect ornamental and fruit trees and young plants from rabbit damage by wrapping or enclosing in wire screen.
e Start a compost pile with fall leaves.
f Turn compost pile to hasten breakdown.
g Start planning for next year.

Source: (www.johnson.ksu.edu)

October, 2011 Garden Calendar

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 07:44:13 -0500

 Vegetables and Fruits
a Plant garlic cloves for next summer's harvest. Fall planting gets a jump on spring conditions.
b After a light frost, dig sweet potatoes and cure them for two weeks in a warm location. Then store in a cool, dry location for longer keeping.
c Harvest peanuts and roast for a homegrown snack.
d Pick pumpkins and winter squash. Keep in a warm area for a couple of weeks, and then store in a cool, dry location.
e Till the garden at the end of the season and add organic matter such as manure or compost to improve the soil structure.
f Make notes of successes and failures in the garden for next year.
g Remove hulls from black walnuts to retain good color of the kernels.
h Continue to harvest apples.
i Pick up and discard fallen fruit to reduce disease next year.
 Flowers
a Plant spring flowering bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, and crocus, for a splash of early season color.
b Remove dead annuals from the garden.
c Trim perennial stalks to tidy the garden for winter.
d Pot bulbs for indoor forcing.
e Clean up dead iris and peony foliage and destroy it to decrease the spread of disease.
f After a light frost, dig canna, glads, dahlias and other tender bulbs for winter storage.
g Make notes about the garden to document successes and failures.
 Lawns
a Continue to mow the lawn if necessary, bluegrass 2 inches, tall fescue 2½ inches.
b Core aerate turf to reduce soil compaction, improve drainage, break up thatch, and help nutrients move into the soil.
c Control dandelions, henbit, and chickweed with a broadleaf herbicide while seedlings are young.
d Sharpen mower blade for a clean cut.
e Check oil level in your lawn mower.
f Keep fallen leaves removed from the lawn to prevent shading and dieback on grass.
  Trees and Shrubs
a Plant new trees and shrubs and keep them watered during dry winter months.
b Once the leaves have fallen, transplant trees and shrubs.
c Trim dead, broken, or diseased branches from trees and shrubs.
d Enjoy fall leaf color, which normally hits it peak about the third week of October.
  Miscellaneous
a Drain and store garden hoses and sprinklers for winter.
b Prepare the compost pile for winter. Add new materials and turn.
c Store unused seeds in a cool, dry location.

Source: (www.johnson.ksu.edu)

September Garden Calendar

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:17:39 -0500

 Vegetables and Fruits
a Continue to harvest vegetables
b Pick apples and pears and store in a cool place to extend freshness
c Harvest pumpkins when flesh is completely orange and avoid carrying by stem
d Harvest winter squash when rind is hard enough to puncture with fingernail
e Plant lettuce, spinach, and radishes
f Remove weeds from garden plantings before going to seed
g Herbs can be dug from garden and placed in pots for indoor use this winter
h Remove small tomatoes from their vines to increase late development of more mature fruits
 Flowers
a Plant spring flowering bulbs, tulips, daffodils, and others
b Dig, divide, or plant peonies
c Divide perennials, especially spring bloomers
d Remove seedheads from perennials to prevent reseeding in the garden
e Plant chrysanthemums for fall color
f Dig gladiolus as foliage begins to yellow and air dry before storing for winter
g Clean up garden areas to reduce insects and disease as plants dieback for winter
h Enrich soil by adding organic matter such as peat moss or compost
 Lawns
a Plant or sod new bluegrass or tall fescue lawns
b Renovate bluegrass or tall fescue lawns by verticutting
c Core aerate cool season turf
d Fertilize cool season grasses with high nitrogen sources of fertilizer
e Mow turf at 2 to 3 inches and sharpen blade for a clean cut
  Trees and Shrubs
a Plant trees and shrubs, deciduous and evergreen
b Rake up fallen leaves and compost
c Prune broken and dead branches from trees
d Avoid pruning spring flowering shrubs such as lilac and forsythia to ensure spring flowers
e Hand pick bagworms to reduce problem in future
  Houseplants
a Bring plants in before temperatures drop into the fifties
b Clean and wash before moving indoors to reduce insects
c Fertilize before winter conditions arrive and growth slows
d Poinsettias can be forced into Christmas bloom by starting dark treatment of short days

Source: (www.johnson.ksu.edu)

August Garden Calendar

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:53:50 -0500

 Vegetables and Fruits
a Water about 1 inch per week
b Plant a fall garden, beets, carrots, beans, and turnips for autumn harvest
c Plant transplants of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage for fall production
d Harvest crops on a regular basis for season long production
e Ease fruit loads on branches by propping with wooden supports
f Net ripening fruit to protect from hungry birds
g Fertilize strawberry bed for added flower bud development
h Turn compost pile and add water when dry
  Flowers
a Apply 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week to gardens
b Divide irises and daylilies during this dormant period
c Make last application of fertilizer to roses by mid month
d Control black spot and other rose diseases
e Fertilize mums, hardy asters, and other fall blooming perennials
f Deadhead annuals to encourage late season blossoms
g Cut back and fertilize annuals to produce new growth and fall blooms
h Sow hollyhocks, poppies, and larkspur for spring blooms
i Prepare for fall bulb planting by making orders or researching varieties
j Take cuttings from geraniums and begonias for wintering indoors
  Lawns
a Water bluegrass one to two times, per week, applying a total of about 1 ½ inches of water
b Water tall fescue one to two times, per week, applying a total of 1 inch of water
c Apply last application of fertilizer to zoysia by mid month
d Be on the look out for grubs and apply proper control methods
e Start planning for fall renovation projects such as aerating and seeding
f Check sharpness of mower blades and repair
g Mow turf as needed depending on summer growth
h Destroy unwanted zoysia and Bermuda
i Take a soil test to determine a fertility program
  Trees and Shrubs
a Water young trees every 1 to 2 weeks by thoroughly soaking the root system
b Prune and shape hedges
c Check mulch layers and add if needed
d Prune broken, dead or crossing limbs for healthier plants
e Check young trees and shrubs for girdling wires, and ropes from planting
f Avoid fertilizing ornamentals now so they harden off before winter
g Hand remove bagworms
  Houseplants
a Water houseplants regularly and fertilize to promote growth
b Check plants for insects such as scales, aphids, and spider mites
c Wash plants to remove dust layers
d Make cuttings and repot plants before summer sun slips away

Source: (www.johnson.ksu.edu)

July Garden Calendar

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:48:04 -0500

 Vegetables and Fruits
a Harvest fruits of your labor and enjoy
b Control weed growth to preserve water and nutrients
c Fertilize vegetables to encourage plant development
d Watch for foliar disease development on lower tomato leaves and treat with a fungicide
e Prepare for fall gardening. Plant potatoes, broccoli, and other fall crops
f Spray sweet corn to control corn earworms as silks emerge
g Be on the lookout for pests of the garden and control
h Remove old raspberry canes after harvest

Flowers
a Remove faded flowers from annuals to stimulate more flowers for late summer color, and from perennials to prevent reseeding
b Keep gardens well mulched
c Cut fresh bouquets for enjoyment on hot summer days
d Lightly fertilize annuals to promote growth
e Dig, divide, and replant crowded irises
f Fertilize roses for fall blossoms
g Fertilize and water container gardens
h Complete the final pinching of chrysanthemum tips for bushier plants
  Lawns
a Mow bluegrass and tall fescue around 3 to 3 1/2 inches
b Mow zoysia at 1 1/2 inches
c Fertilize zoysia to encourage summer growth with a high nitrogen fertilizer. Let grass clippings fall to return nutrients to soil and grass
d Be on the lookout for summer diseases such as brown patch
e Watch for grubs. If they begin to hatch, an insecticide may be required. Apply in late July or early August.
f Keep mower blades sharpened
g Replace lawn mower air filter and change lawn mower oil per owner's manual
h Prepare to control perennial grassy weeds such as zoysia, fescue, and nimblewill
i Take a soil test to prepare for fall lawn renovation
j Water deeply and less often for deep roots and a healthy lawn
 Trees and Shrubs
a Water newly planted shrubs and young trees (planted within the last three to five years) during dry weather
b Keep plants mulched to conserve moisture and cool roots
c Remove sucker growth from the base of trees and along branches
d Prune diseased, dead, or hazardous limbs
  Miscellaneous
a Water weekly by deeply soaking the soil. Use surface irrigation and avoid watering late at night to help reduce disease development.
b Take photos of gardens

Source: Johnson County K-State Extension Service
(www.johnson.ksu.edu)

June, 2011 Garden Calendar

Sat, 4 Jun 2011 16:59:42 -0500

 Vegetables and Fruits
a Renovate June bearing strawberry beds
b Fertilize strawberries and water regularly to promote new growth
c Plant another crop of sweet corn and green beans
d Watch tomatoes for foliar leaf disease development and treat
e Mulch crops for moisture conservation and weed control
f Continue a regular fruit disease and insect control program
g Treat peach trees for trunk borers
h Remove sucker growth from base of trees and along branches
i Pinch herbs to keep bushy and fresh with new growth
j Turn compost pile and keep moist for a quicker breakdown
  Flowers
a Pinch chrysanthemums for development of a bushy plant
b Deadhead spent flower blossoms to keep plant flowering
c Remove flower stalks from peonies and iris
d Mulch flower gardens for the summer to conserve moisture, control weeds and cool the soil
e Water plants as needed
f Fertilize roses with about 1 cup of low analysis fertilizer per plant
g Trim spent rose blossoms
h Check plants for insects
i Remove dead foliage from spring bulbs
j Water and fertilize container plantings regularly to encourage growth and flowering
  Lawns
a Raise mowing height on bluegrass and tall fescue to 3" or 3 ½" for summer heat resistance
b Fertilize zoysia lawns with high nitrogen fertilizer such as 27-3-3
c Sod or plug bare areas in zoysia lawns
d Spot treat for broadleaf weeds  Core aerate zoysia lawns for removal of thatch and overall vigor
e Let grass clippings fall for nutrient recycling
f Water the turf sparingly to increase drought tolerance during heat of summer. Let turf wilt between watering for best results
g Check mower blade for sharpness and sharpen as needed
h Check lawn mower engine oil and add or change according to owners' manual
 
Trees and Shrubs

a Check for bagworms and control as needed
b Mulch around the bases of trees and shrubs to conserve moisture
c Prune pines and spruces to shape and control size
d Water newly planted trees and shrubs as needed
e Prune spring flowering shrubs
f Do not damage tree trunks with mowers and weed whips
g Check for spider mite damage on various shrubs
h Clip hedges as needed to maintain shape

  Houseplants

a Fertilizer throughout the summer months to encourage growth
b Wash leaves to remove dust
c Take cuttings to start new plants
d Prune and shape plants for added beauty
e Repot plants as needed in 1" larger containers
f Check for insect problems

Source: Johnson County K-State Extension Service
(www.johnson.ksu.edu)

May, 2011 Garden Calendar

Tue, 10 May 2011 09:29:23 -0500

Vegetables and Fruits
a Plant tomato, pepper, and eggplant transplants in early May
b Seed sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, beans, and other warm season vegetables
c Lightly cultivate soil with a hoe to control weed growth
d Mound soil around potato plants to encourage tuber formation
e Harvest fresh asparagus until the spear size decreases
f Remove rhubarb seed stalks to encourage leaf growth
g Plant kitchen herbs for summer use in dishes or food preservation
h Treat fruit trees with needed pesticides to control insects and disease
i Thin heavy fruit set on apples to increase fruit size and next year's crop

  Flowers
a Plant annual flowers for summer color
b Continue to plant and divide perennials
c Mulch perennial and annual gardens for weed control and moisture retention
d Begin pinching chrysanthemums for bushier plants
e Do not remove foliage from spring bulbs until it dies down naturally, this develops stronger blooms for next year
f Plant container gardens and hanging baskets using a good quality potting mix
g Keep a garden journal for permanent reference
  Lawns
a Reduce thatch layers from zoysia by verticutting or core aerating
b Sod or sprig zoysia lawns to fill in bare areas
c Fertilize zoysia lawns with high nitrogen to promote green up and summer growth
d Mow zoysia at 1 to 2 inches tall
e Apply slow release nitrogen fertilizer to bluegrass and tall fescue to promote summer growth if watering during the summer. Lower maintenance lawns skip this application
f Mow bluegrass and tall fescue at 3 inches
g Spot treat broadleaf weeds
h Withhold early summer watering until needed to promote more drought tolerant lawns
  Trees and Shrubs
a Plant new trees and shrubs
b Prune spring flowering shrubs after bloom to shape plant and encourage flowers next year
c Mulch around young trees and shrubs to conserve moisture and control weed growth
d Water young ornamentals as needed
e Remove tree wraps for summer growth
f Remove tree stakes that have been in place more than one growing season
g Fertilize trees to help increase growth rates
h Caution, use line trimmers around trees and shrubs so as not to damage tender bark
  Houseplants
a Move plants outdoors for summer by gradually increasing the exposure to sunlight
b Fertilize plants to promote summer development
c Rotate plants to develop a well-rounded plant
d Wash dusty leaves in the shower under room temperature water
e Four to six inch cuttings are a great way to start new plants, root in potting mix under low light
f Repot plants into a one inch larger pot
g Check for insects

April 2011 Garden Calendar

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 21:51:22 -0500

 Vegetables and Fruits

a Start fruit tree spray schedule when growth begins
b Plant carrots, onions, beets and other salad crops in early April
c Thin radishes, beets and carrots as needed
d Harvest asparagus until spear size decreases.
e Prune fruit trees if not already done
f Plant new fruit trees
g Plant asparagus and rhubarb
h Remove mulch from strawberry bed
i Prune raspberry and blackberry plantings
j Do not spray insecticides while fruits flower in order to protect the honeybees
k Plant beans, corn, vine crops in late April
l Cultivate to control seedling weed growth
m Turn the compost pile after a long winter rest
n Transplant broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage in the garden
o Fertilize vegetable garden before planting and incorporate
  Flowers

a Remove winter mulch from perennial garden
b Cut back last year's growth from perennials
c Remove seed heads from spring bulbs
d Do not remove foliage from spring flowering bulbs as growth is needed for next year's flowers
e Fertilize spring flowering bulbs
f Add organic matter such as compost before planting new flowers
g Divide perennials
h Plant new roses
i Prune rose bushes
j Fertilize rose bushes for spring growth
k Plant annuals from seed and transplants
 Lawns

a Apply crabgrass control by mid month
b Mow lawn as needed, bluegrass 2", tall fescue 3"
c Fertilize cool season lawns with slow release nitrogen fertilizer
d Do not fertilize zoysia this early in spring, nutrients go to weeds not dormant grass
e Spot treat broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, henbit, and chickweed
f Check mower and make needed repairs before season begins
g Sharpen mower blade
h No need to catch grass clippings if mowing frequently
i Do not water unless extremely dry, early irrigation sets turf up as high water user in summer
 Trees and Shrubs

a Prune spring flowering shrubs such forsythia and lilac after flowering
b Prune trees as needed, and repair winter storm damage
c Topping is not pruning, never top a tree
d Plant new trees and shrubs
e Remove grass from base of young trees and shrubs to prevent lawn mower and line trimmer damage
f Apply mulch layer around plants
g Keep new trees and shrubs watered
h Fertilize young trees to promote growth
 House Plants

a Remove winter dust from leaves by gently rinsing with room temperature water
b Repot as needed, increase pot size by 1"
c Leach excess fertilizers from soil with water
d Begin summer fertilization of plants
e Do not move plants outside until night temperatures remain over 60 degrees
f Propagate house plants by cuttings or divisions
g Fertilize amaryllis and keep in bright light to encourage new leaves

Source: Johnson County K-State Extension Service
(www.johnson.ksu.edu)

get the most out of your garden!